Joliet teacher surprised with Golden Apple Award

Carrie Garrett, a first-grade teacher at Lynne Thigpen Elementary School, was named as one of 10 Golden Apple recipients Monday, March 19, 2018, in Joliet.

Eric Ginnard - eginnard@shawmedia.com

Caption

Carrie Garrett, a first-grade teacher at Lynne Thigpen Elementary School, high-fives one of her students Monday, March 19, 2018, during class in Joliet, Ill. Garrett was named as one of 10 Golden Apple recipients in the Chicago area.

Eric Ginnard - eginnard@shawmedia.com

Caption

Carrie Garrett, a first-grade teacher at Lynne Thigpen Elementary School, was named as one of 10 Golden Apple recipients Monday, March 19, 2018, in Joliet.

JOLIET – A Joliet teacher was one of 10 picked out of more than 650 nominations to receive this year’s Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching for pre-K through third grade in the Chicago area.

Carrie Garrett of Lynne Thigpen Elementary School was recognized for being an outstanding teacher and was surprised with her award in front of students, family and school leaders on Monday, according to a news release.

Golden Apple also attributed their selection of Garrett to her ability to “communicate and collaborate effectively with people from many different backgrounds and experiences.” She fosters those critical skills through interactive activities that her students often direct. She also was recognized with the District Start Award.

“Golden Apple is proud to recognize this year’s award recipients for their exceptional accomplishments in the classroom,” Alicia Winckler, Golden Apple president and CEO, said in a news release. “Each of the recipients is uniquely talented and epitomizes the dedication, skill and drive in the teaching profession that facilitates better futures for scores of young people.”

The Golden Apple’s selection committee is composed of college and university professors, educational experts, administrators and former Golden Apple Award recipients. The committee uses industry and research-based professional standards to identify exemplary educators.

Members of the committee observed finalists’ classrooms and also interviewed their colleagues, administrators, students and parents during the selection process, according to the release.

Northwestern University provided Golden Apple Award winners with a tuition-free, spring quarter sabbatical to study at the university. Winners also receive a $5,000 cash award.

All recipients will be featured on a WTTW one-hour program in the spring marketed to local school communities.